Safety Moments Topic: Field Research Safety - PowerPoint Presentation

1. Safety MomentsTopic: Field Research SafetyA Safety Moment is a brief safety talk about a specific subject at the beginning of a meeting or shift. Also known as safety minutes or safety chats, these talks can be done in a variety of ways, but are typically a brief (2-5 minute) discussion on a safety related topic. They can cover a variety of safety topics and remind employees of the importance of being safe; at work, at home and in all aspects of our lives. Use one slide per Safety Moment (unless specified).

2. Field research safety All labs that conduct field research should have a communication plan that includes: where you are goingwhen you leavewhen you are expected to returnAnd confirm that person knows you got backA hazard assessment should be conducted for the field prior to leaving and upon arrival, and plans to mitigate any risks need to be implemented. Some resources that may be useful:https://www.geog.ucl.ac.uk/resources/safety/risk-assessment/fieldwork-risk-assessment-preparation/field-work-risk-assessment-preparation

3. Environmental Hazards – Weather Consult a daily weather forecast before setting out. Check Met Office forecast, Wear clothing suitable for expected weather conditions. However, be prepared for sudden changes and where possible take a change of clothes. Strong winds and cold weather reduce energy levels; take adequate food and drink supplies. Be aware of places to seek shelter when necessary.Allow extra time for travelling in adverse weather conditions.

4. Field work - HypothermiaThis results from dangerous loss of body heat. The main land based cause is wind chill, through inadequate clothing. Immersion in cold water can rapidly lead to hypothermia.Ensure clothing is appropriate and use a survival suit in extremely cold weather. Wear a woolen hat - this will significantly reduce heat loss. Wear lots of layered clothing - remove layers to reduce sweating. Wear woolen gloves under waterproof gloves. Eat plenty of food and drink plenty of fluids.

5. Field work – Frost BiteThis results from lack of circulation in the extremities caused by severe cold. It is most common when hands or feet are wet. High altitude can exaggerate the problem as circulation tends to be less efficient in these environments.Wear woolen gloves under waterproof gloves. Make sure shoes/boots are loose enough to allow room for two pairs of warm socks and still not be tight. Restricting circulation with tight shoes will make you more prone to frostbite. Be aware that the altitude you will be working at will affect your susceptibility to frostbite. Ensure that footwear is waterproof.

6. Field work – Poor Visibility This can be due to driving rain, snow etc. or fog. Working at dawn or dusk can also lead to visibility problems.If problems are due to adverse weather conditions, seek shelter and wait for weather to clear. If working at dawn or dusk, ensure a light is carried. Wear high visibility clothing, so that you can be seen easily. If working close to cliffs etc. attempt to move away from the edge before visibility becomes too poor.Carry and use a whistle  to aid others in locating you.

7. Field work - SunburnThis can occur even in cold conditions, especially where there is reflected light - e.g. close to or on water, at high altitude, in snowy conditions. Any exposed area of the skin is susceptible (face and hands).Use a high factor Sun block If working in full sun, do not expose skin unnecessarily.Make sure back of neck is covered. Wear Sun glasses to protect eyes.

8. Field work – Dehydration/Heat Stroke/Exhaustion Dehydration: This can occur in hot or cold weather - wind can be a contributing factor.Drink plenty of fluids - it is recommended that more than 3 liters per person per day is necessary in hot weather. Do not drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks.Heat Stroke/Exhaustion: These are due to the body over heating and are often accompanied by dehydration.Avoid working in full sun. Drink plenty of fluids. Always wear a sun hat. Keep back of neck covered. If feeling particularly hot, find some shade and rest.

9. Field Work – General Terrain HazardsSlips, trips and falls - Due to "wrong footing" on uneven or wet/slippery ground.Wear footwear suitable for the conditions. Plan route carefully to avoid most uneven ground. Ensure you can see where you are putting your feet before walking. Avoid working in poor light conditions. Back and neck injuries- Due to jarring spine etc. This can also lead to skull fractures.Do not jump over or off anything. If there is a drop or ditch that has to be negotiated, lower yourself slowly or use existing bridges, steps etc. Be aware that landing "heavily", thus jarring the spine, can lead to basal fractures of the skull or concussion. In the event of such an injury, medical attention must be sought immediately.

10. Field Work – Ag. land hazardsSlips, trips and fallsBe aware that agricultural land is often ploughed and therefore deeply rutted. Breaks and sprainsDo not jump over drainage ditches. Always use existing bridges etc. Ensure appropriate footwear is worn to protect ankles. Risk of personal injury caused by boundary fences - electric fences, Barbed wire, hedges etc.If working close to fences etc. avoid working with your back to the fence, in case you back into it. Do not climb over fences - use gates or stiles

11. Field Work - MountainsSlips, trips and fallsRocky outcrops are extremely slippery when wet, avoid walking on them whenever possible. Wear strong gloves to protect hands against cuts and grazes. When walking down hill, walk across the slope and not down the steepest path, keeping your weight on the back foot as much as possible - if you slip you should try to fall backwards, not forwards! Wherever possible follow existing paths. Breaks and sprainsDo not jump off ledges etc. Ensure appropriate footwear is worn to protect ankles. Altitude sickness, low oxygen levels - Be aware that when working at high altitude Oxygen levels are lower and you will tire quickly.Do not try to do too much at once. There is a higher risk of sunburn at high altitude - use a higher factor sunblock. If you are feeling tired or yawning this may be due to lack of oxygen, not sleep.Seek specialist advice on climbing to and working at high altitude.

12. Field Work – Beaches and CliffsFallsBe aware of high winds on cliff tops - do not stand closer to the edge than is necessary. Check for soft or crumbling ground near cliff edges. Where necessary approach cliff edges on all fours to spread the body weight. Do not stand and peer over the edge of cliffs. Slips and tripsTake special care on slippery rocks. Always look ahead at ground when walking around the water's edge. Drowning/cut off by tideBe aware of in coming tides. Check tide tables before commencing work and ensure your escape route is not blocked.

13. Field Work – Mudflats and EstuariesSlips, trips and falls.Avoid wearing waders - wellingtons are preferable. Waders are cumbersome and may encourage you to go deeper into water than is safe. Use a pole to probe ahead to assess the stability of shoreline terrain. Take special care on slippery rocks. Always look ahead at ground when walking around the water's edge. When sampling in flowing water environments, be careful of slippery or steep banks and fast currents. If the current is fast or the water looks deeper than knee height, do not enter the water. If you must enter the water, a rope should be tied around your waist and secured to the bank. Sinking/drowningIf stuck in mud, do not struggle as this causes deeper sinking. Roll on back and spread weight evenly whilst attempting to "sledge" to firmer ground. Be aware of in coming tides. Check tide tables before commencing work and ensure your escape route is not blocked.

14. Field Work – Animal HazardsPersonal injury and attack by Livestock or "Domesticated" animals. If necessary to do so, pass through fields with animals quickly or limit your working time in that area or return later. Try to avoid walking near to the animals. Be especially aware of pregnant animals or those with young. Snakes, scorpions, spiders - risks of bites from venomous animals. Wear protective footwear. Look carefully where you are treading or putting your hands. If appropriate, check shoes and shake out clothing before putting them on. Ensure you know where to go or what to do in case of injury - Seek local information before you go into the field. Biting and stinging insects can cause discomfort and infection e.g. allergic reactions and malaria;Use insect repellent particularly in the evenings or when near standing water. If appropriate, Anti -malaria tablets should be taken. Carry anti-histamine tablets in case of bites. Be aware that some forms of anti-histamine can cause drowsiness. If affected do not continue with fieldwork. Clean and cover any bites to reduce risk of infection. 

15. Field Work – Boat HandlingEquipment - failure to check or use correctly resulting in personal injuryThe Helm is responsible for all decisions within the boat. Ensure the boat is fully inflated and that valves are sealed correctly. Inflate the keel (where appropriate) in windy conditions for extra stability. Wear survival suits in rough, cold conditions. Be aware that conditions in the middle of a lake may be much rougher than those at the launch site, which is often a sheltered bay. A minimum of two people should be in the boat while in operation. A tool kit including a knife, pliers, spare shear and split pins must be carried on board. A set of oars must always be carried. A boat pump, anchor and rope, a safety line and a bailer should be carried. Check that the motor is securely attached to the transom and is also attached by a rope to the boat for additional security. Ensure that there is sufficient fuel in the tank before setting out. If using a battery to power an electric engine, treat the battery with care. Always place the battery in a water tight box, lift carefully and place in a stable position on board. Avoid skin contact with any leaked acid. Carry material suitable to soak up any acid spills - cat litter works! - and some strong plastic bags to put the contaminated material in. Keep ropes coiled and stowed neatly inside the boat. Keep the bow rope inside the boat to avoid it tangling in the propeller. Risks of FireEnsure fuel tank is horizontal and stable. Open pressure release valve when the motor is running. No other fuel allowed on board. Never smoke near inflatable boats or engines. Sinking/drowningEnsure boat is sound before setting out and that no damage has occurred in transit.Buoyancy aids must be worn at all times. Submersed obstacles can damage the propeller and the bottom of the boat. Always keep a look out, especially in shallow water and rocky areas. In gusty winds, short steep localised waves of considerable size can develop. If the boat length exceeds the wave length, the boat cannot ride the waves. Shelter should be sought. Ensure safe anchoring prior to cutting the engine.

16. Lone working/out of hours workingRisksAssociated Control MeasuresDifficulties in summoning help when required; risk of abuse/attackWhere possible work, as a minimum, in pairs. Where possible carry a radio or mobile phone. Leave details of the field site and a work plan (include contact name and address) with colleagues in the department or at home prior to any trip. Specify dates and times of departure and return If your plans change, inform someone as soon as possible. Do not carry valuables or large sums of money unless you need to. Carry a personal alarm (This advice is directed to males as well as females - all are equally vulnerable when alone!) Instigate a "check-in" system with a colleague or supervisor - Phone in at regular intervals. If you do not phone or return at a certain time arrange for suitable action to be taken. Trust your intuition - If you feel scared or uneasy, do not ignore it.